AFTER a long, busy day at work, many people are guilty of enjoying a couple of beers or a glass of wine in the evening to help them leave behind the stresses of the day.

A glass of your favourite tipple over dinner or while sitting on the sofa is the preferred way for many to unwind and relax - but at what price to your health?

Recent government research has shown that drinking every day can result in long-term damage to your liver.

As a result of Scotland's infamous drinking habits, our doctors are now seeing a significant increase in the number of people suffering from liver scarring, which is known as cirrhosis, and in the most extreme cases, liver failure.

An official report carried out by the House of Commons Science and Technology committee recommends that all drinkers should make sure they have at least two alcohol-free days a week.

It also said drinkers should take into account their weight when keeping track of the total number of units they consume.

Current Department of Health guidelines say that men should not regularly drink more than four units of alcohol a day, while women should not regularly drink more than three units per day.

hey also recommend that people don't consume alcohol for 48 hours after a heavy drinking session, to give their bodies enough time to recover.

Alcohol-Free Week begins tomorrow - which is also the start of Lent - and asks people to go teetotal for seven days.

To highlight the dangers of drinking everyday and binge drinking at weekends, the campaign hopes abstaining will help people re-examine their drinking habits.

With this in mind, we asked two women to give up booze for a whole week and keep a diary of their progress.

Here, we reveal how they got on.

DIANE WRIGHT, 33, FROM KILMACOLM

DIANE Wright, 33, from Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire, works in IT and admits to myself few enjoying wine with dinner while out socially.

She said: "Like most people, I do like a drink and my favourite is rose wine, cider or vodka and tonic. I am looking forward to a week free of booze and I'm hoping that it won't be too much of a challenge."

Day one: "In a bid to keep myself away from temptation I've decided to go to the gym after work. I've been working with a fantastic trainer, David McConnachie at DMC gym in Glasgow, who thinks giving up alcohol for a week is a great idea.

"We spoke about the health benefits of not drinking and I feel really spurred on now to complete this challenge."

Day two: "My partner John has decided to support me by giving up booze this week too. I must admit the fact that you''re not allowed something makes you want it more. I've been thinking about a nice glass of wine but I've told myself no and made a cup of herbal tea instead - boring but healthy."

Day three: "I went back to the gym again and had a great workout. I feel energised and I think I've encouraged a few people to try a week without booze, too. Although I feel great I'm not really looking forward to the weekend. I like to unwind with a few drinks and I think it's going to be pretty dull without any alcohol.

But I've kept positive and so far I've enjoyed this experience.

Day four: "I was just thinking about the amount of calories I've saved by cutting out a glass of wine with dinner. I've been drinking plenty of water and my skin looks great. I can't really say I've found it difficult as I've kept myself busy. My friends think it's great and a few have said they''ll give it a go too.

"I'm feeling positive, fit and healthy and I'm sleeping really well at night. John is also benefiting from a booze-free lifestyle."

Day five: "It's almost the weekend. At the beginning of the week I was dreading this but I'm now quite happy not to drink.

"To avoid all temptation, John and I have decided to have a quiet night in, so it's a cup of tea then off to bed.

Not very rock ''n'' roll but at least there won't be a hangover."

Day six: "Went out for lunch with John and the restaurant had an offer on a large pizza and bottle of wine. I was so tempted but managed to resist and had vegetable soup and a coffee. It's the first time this week I've almost ordered wine."

Day seven: "Success. I'm glad I didn't break my pledge. I feel fit and healthy and have so much more energy. This has been a great way to test myself and it's made me realise just how unhealthy alcohol can be."

LIBBY ANDERSON 40, FROM GARTCOSH

LIBBY Anderson, 40, from Gartcosh, Lanarkshire, is a busy mum-of-one who runs a body shaping class at Studio North in Glasgow.

She admitted enjoying a drink at the weekends, as well as wine with dinner, and said: "My favourite tipple is Jack Daniel's and Coke or white wine.

"I look forward to having a glass of wine with a meal and a few at the weekend.

Day one: "I've got a busy week lined up and I usually look forward to unwinding at the weekend with a few drinks. However, I'm determined not to and today I've been drinking plenty of water and tea to prepare. So far so good."

Day two: "I had an exercise class this morning, so had plenty of water to keep hydrated. I woke up feeling really good and have plenty of energy today, which could be down to not drinking alcohol.

"I've also made a decision to watch what I eat. I'm treating this as a detox and so far I've not missed drinking at all."

Day three: "I was chatting to a friend about my alcohol-free week and she can't remember the last time she didn't drink at the weekend.

"It got me thinking, we drink when we are happy and we drink when we are down to cheer ourselves up, it seems to be a way of life.

"As for me, I'm enjoying the benefits. I've noticed that my hands feel a lot smoother and my skin and hair are also looking great."

Day four: "I feel fantastic and I've been sleeping great at night too. I'm not missing wine with dinner and I'm surprised at how easy this has been.

"I feel fit and healthy. Normally I'd be looking forward to a few drinks at the weekend but I'm determined I'm not going to fold."

Day five: "This was always going to be a tricky one as I've arranged to see a concert with some friends. To avoid all temptation of drinking I've decided to drive. time and I'm really pleased I means I won't wake up with a tomorrow."

"I had a fantastic time and I'm really please I took the car, and it seems I won't wake up with a sore head tomorrow.

Day six: "I met a friend for lunch and the offer included a free bottle of wine.

"I was a wee bit tempted but I've come this far, so I resisted.

"Instead I asked the waiter if he could bottle of wine with sparkling lovely time and it shows you alcohol to enjoy yourself." seven: "Well, it's the last day and great.

"Instead, I asked the waiter if he could replace the bottle of wine with sparkling water.

Had a lovely time and it shows you don't need alcohol to enjoy yourself.

Day seven: "Well it's the last day and I feel great.

"I'm really pleased that I stuck it out and I am convinced that my hands, hair and skin look and feel better too.

"I feel full of energy and ready to kick-start another week.

"In fact, I've enjoyed it so much I might make my detox regular occurrence. I've learned that I don't need alcohol to unwind or have good time."